Caught with crack cocaine in Portlaoise

A man admitted obstructing gardai and having crack cocaine in Portlaoise. 

James Heffernan, 27, with an address at 1 Bridge Street, Portlaoise,  admitted drug possession and obstruction at Lyster Square and Portlaoise Garda Station on December 23 last year. 

Solicitor Aonghus McCarthy said his client had previously pleaded guilty to the charges arising from his arrest in December 2022. He said his client needed to get into a residential treatment facility. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man was stopped by Gardai at Christmas time in Lyster Square, Portlaoise and told he was going to be searched.  The man ran but was arrested after a chase and benzodiazepine tablets were found, said Sgt Kirby. 

He said the man was taken to Portlaoise Garda Station where it was noticed he was concealing something in his mouth and he was asked to spit it out.

“He refused, closing his mouth,” he explained. A struggle ensued and gardai managed to retrieve a red package containing crack cocaine, Sgt Kirby said.  

He revealed the defendant had 52 previous convictions. He said the value of the drugs on the date was €250. 

Judge Andrew Cody initially jailed the man for two months. However, following an appeal by Mr McCarthy, Judge Cody decided to instead impose a four month sentence which he suspended for three years.